STEELERS FREE AGENCY BUZZ

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers will have 24 free agents, including 18 unrestricted, when their contracts expire in some two months after the start date is set at this year's owners' meetings.

Unrestricted free agents like running back Rashard Mendenhall and wideout Mike Wallace normally would be high-priority signings, but with the baggage each toted this season, the likely high salary each would desire and talent of younger players at their respective positions could make each expendable.

Cornerback Keenan Lewis and offensive linemen Ramon Foster and Max Starks were starters, but younger talent could make either one's loss easier to take. Second-year player Cortez Allen will push Lewis for playing time next season. Even if he won't admit it.

"I donâ€™t know Keenan's plans,'' Allen said. "You'll have to ask Keenan that. I always go in and give my best effort in whatever I do. Everything else will fall into place if I just continue to work hard. (So), I just play for my teammates and work hard. ... Coming into this league, you have to understand that it's a part of it. Of course, you build relationships with each individual guy.

"How close we are, I'm positive that we'll stay in contact with each other. It's tough to lose a guy but it's a part of the game and something that you have to accept. It's a blessing to be able to battle with the guys that I had a chance to, and best of luck to them wherever they go.''

Offensive tackles Marcus Gilbert, Mike Adams and Kelvin Beachum all have playing experience. At guard, if the Steelers keep often-injured Willie Colon, since he received a big contract a couple years ago, Foster's days could be numbered with the Steelers.